Chapters Part 1: Shadows of the Past
A Striped Past
Part 1: Shadows of the past
Over the last 2 years, Apple Bloom had come far in her studies with Zecora. The zebra’s protégé had long since mastered the basics and had been experimenting with her own ideas for some time now. With her chores on the farm done for the day, she worked diligently in the confines of Zecora’s hut within the Everfree Forest. The door of the hut opened and Zecora entered, returning from a trip to the deeper parts of the forest to gather herbs.
“My, still working on what you’ve started? You’ve not moved an inch since I first departed.” Zecora noted with a smile, always impressed with her pupil's dedication.
“Sure am, Zecora.” Apple Bloom said as she stepped back from her mixture. “I think I’ve almost cracked this here potion I’ve been working on.”
“You have put weeks of work into that brew. Tell me, what is it supposed to do?”
“The base for my idea came from that growth potion you showed me when I was first starting out.” She began. “It was a sight and all but the effects were unpredictable. Something could grow a few inches or as tall as a redwood.” She removed her safety goggles and set them on the table. “I’ve been playing with different ingredients to stabilize the growth into something a hair more controllable. I think I finally found an ingredient that works; it's something labeled dawn’s dew. The last few tests showed that the growth hits a ceiling with this ingredient in particular, and upping the ratio of dawn’s dew in the growth potion makes set increases in size that I’ve been able to consistently measure.” She gestured to an empty vial. “But, I did use up all that dawn’s dew stuff. You know where I can get some more?”
“I am very proud of your great progress. But that will be difficult, I must confess.”
“Really?”
“I’m afraid it’s true; of my rarest ingredients is dawn’s dew.”
“Oh, I’m sorry Zecora.” A guilty look set in her eyes. “I wouldn’t have used it if I knew it was so rare.”
“Do not worry little one, hunting ingredients is half the fun.” Zecora gave her a reassuring pat on the head. “If we need more I’ll find a way. But for now, why don’t you call it a day.”
Apple Bloom smiled and nodded. “Okay Zecora.” She put her materials away and boxed up her existing work. Saying goodbye, she left the hut and began heading back towards Ponyville to search for Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. As she reached the outskirts of town she noticed that the ponies who were leaving the area were whispering to each other with unsettled looks on their faces. She passed by a couple and discerned the words ‘stranger’ and ‘scary’ from their mutterings. Continuing on, she soon spied a large, cloaked figure walking towards the town square. Startled at first, as the figure turned she made out the familiar black and white striping of a zebra. She let out a laugh as she calmed, shaking her head at the worry she saw in the other ponies. “Geez, this again?” She asked herself. “You’d think after Zecora moved in we’d be past all this here nonsense.” Taking the initiative she approached the stranger and stepped up alongside him. “Howdy.” She greeted. “My name’s Apple Bloom. I take it you’re new in town.” The stranger turned and looked down at her. In an instant, she understood the concern of the other ponies. His face was unnaturally hard and his eyes cold; she could simply feel that something was off with this newcomer.
“Yes, I am.” He answered in a rich, heavily accented voice. “I am looking for somepony, a mare named Zecora. Do you know her?”
Apple Bloom hesitated, not certain if she should admit to knowing Zecora or not. Her mind raced and ultimately, in lieu of everything her sister taught her, she was compelled to play dumb and lie out of sheer instinct. “A Zecora passed through here a while back.” She finally answered. “She was a zebra too… are you related?” She asked innocently, trying to get any information out of him.
“She is my sister.” He responded. “Do you know which way she was headed, child?”
“Uh… well.” She fumbled for ideas. “She wasn’t the talkative type. She bought some things from the general store and moved on. I think she headed north.”
“You think?” He repeated.
“Well, it was a long time ago… like I said. Sorry I couldn’t be more help.” She smiled as best as she could manage. “I need to get home though; I hope you find your sister.” With a short wave she turned and calmly headed back out of town. Once outside of Ponyville, she began running back towards the Everfree Forest to see Zecora and find out if she actually knew the stranger or not. Near out of breath by the time she reached the hut, Apple Bloom burst through the door to find a greatly startled Zecora.
“Apple Bloom, my word. Why storm in like a stampeding herd?”
“Zecora.” Apple Bloom panted. “There… there was another zebra in town looking for you.” She composed herself as she went to her. “He said he was your brother.”
Apple Bloom’s words shook her. “My brother… I see. Did you tell him where to find me?”
“No.” Apple Bloom shook her head. “I know I’m not supposed to be lying, but he… well, there was something right frightening about him. I told him you passed through town but didn’t stay.” She looked up to her for answers. “Do you have a brother?”
Zecora paused at the question. “I…”
“Zecora!” A heavy voice called from outside; Apple Bloom immediately recognized it as the zebra from before.
“It’s him.” Apple Bloom wheeled around in shock.
Zecora slowly went to the door and opened it, as she stepped out she gasped as she beheld the zebra’s face. “You… it can’t be true.”
“There you are.” He smiled.
Apple Bloom ran out to her side. “That’s impossible; I didn’t tell him about this place… I promise.”
The stranger laughed lightly. “I know lies when I hear them, child. Your eyes betrayed your words before you even spoke.”
“Just who are…” Apple Bloom began but stopped as Zecora’s hoof landed on her shoulder.
Zecora pulled her back and stood in front of her. “What do you want with me? I have nothing to offer as you can see.”
“Oh?” The stranger began to approach. “You know that you are the only one that can undo what has been done. You must have known I would seek you out. Why else would you travel so far from home?” The stranger recoiled in pain as he came into contact with some form of barrier. He looked at his smoking hoof and glared up at Zecora.
“Though I had hoped to never see your face; I did make plans should you find this place.” She pointed back to the forest. “Leave my house and don’t return. I will not give you that for which you yearn.”
“Do you think this will keep me away forever?” He asked. “I will not be denied!” His eyes began to glow white. “I know where you are now; you will not escape me again!” A swirl of dust rose around him and as the wind dispersed it, he was gone.
“He disappeared.” Apple Bloom looked about but saw no sign of the zebra. “Zecora, who was that?” She looked up and saw the fear in her eyes. “Is he really your brother?”
“Yes… and no.” Zecora shook her head. “There is no time to explain, we need to go.” She hurried back inside and began collecting specific items about her home.
“Go?” Apple Bloom followed her.
“I must get you to your family… then from this place I must quickly flee.”
“What!?” Apple Bloom ran in front of her and held her hooves up in protest. “If you’re in danger then I’m not going anywhere !”
“Apple Bloom…”
“No.” Apple Bloom said firmly. “You’re my teacher and my friend. I’m not going to abandon you.”
Zecora saw the loving determination in her eyes and smiled. “I thank you for that, but we are in more peril than you know. The safest thing is for me to go.”
“Go where?” Apple Bloom asked. “He said you traveled here in the first place because you were running from whatever this is; how much farther are you going to run? You were alone before but you aren’t anymore, you’ve got me and my family and all our friends in Ponyville. Let us help you.” Her upset eyes began to water.
Zecora let out a heavy sigh and nodded. “You are right, I have run enough… it is time to fight.” She reached out and wiped Apple Bloom’s eyes. “You have grown wise beyond your years. Thank you for being stronger than my fears.”
Apple Bloom hugged her. “That’s what friends are for. Let’s go to the farm, my sister will know what to do.”
Zecora smiled and rubbed the top of her head. “Not another word against it I will say; let me gather my things and we’ll be on our way.”
Packing three bags of various ingredients, equipment and literature; they quickly left the hut and headed for Sweet Apple Acres. As they galloped towards the farm they saw Applejack feeding the pigs.
“Applejack!” Apple Bloom called out.
Applejack’s ears perked at the sound of her sister’s voice and she raised her head from her work. “Apple Bloom, there you… Zecora?” She scratched her head at the rare sight. She halted her work as they ran up to her. “Zecora, never imagined I’d see you all the way out here.” She saw the harried look in Apple Bloom’s eyes. “Everything alright?”
Apple Bloom quickly shook her head. “No, Zecora’s in danger and we have to help her.”
Applejack was taken aback by the news. “Danger, what happened?”
“I will explain the situation. But first we have some preparation.” Zecora said as she urged them inside. Once indoors she opened her bags and pulled out three vials filled with a bluish mineral. “Circle the house with this, in an unbroken line. It will protect your home as it did mine.” She offered the vials to Apple Bloom.
“Can do.” Apple Bloom took the vials and sped outside to see to the deed.
“Applejack, I know it is sudden to ask. But for you, as well, I have a task.”
“Alright.” Applejack nodded. “What do you need?” Despite the countless questions she had she could sense the urgency of the situation.
“What seeks me will seek you not. A fact we can use to improve our lot. To see this through to positive ends, you will have to go and gather our friends.”
“Twilight and the others?” Applejack asked rhetorically. “Right, I’ll be back with them as soon as I can.” Heading out the back door she began galloping towards town at full speed.
Within two hours, Applejack returned with Twilight, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Pinkie Pie. By this time, Big Mac and Granny Smith had returned to the house and were brought up to speed by Apple Bloom. They gathered in the living room where a shaken Zecora sat with Apple Bloom at her side.
Granny Smith came in with a cup of apple spice tea and set it before Zecora. “Here you are dearie.”
“Thank you for the tea, it should serve to settle me.” Zecora took a sip and let out a calm breath.
“What’s going on Zecora?” Twilight asked. “All we heard is that you were in danger.”
Zecora nodded slowly. “Danger yes, great indeed. I thank you for coming in my time of need.”
“Of course Zecora.” Fluttershy said sincerely. “We’re always here for you.”
“Yeah.” Rainbow Dash punched her hooves together. “Danger’s practically our hobby. Just tell us who or what is hassling you and we’ll make them regret it.”
“If we intend to face this foe; then of my past you will need to know.” Zecora raised her head with a sigh. “My home is a village far away; a peaceful place where zebra stay. My family lived a quiet life; free from worry, pain and strife. My father was the village chief. A strong, proud stallion whose words were brief. My mother was a master of the alchemic arts; she was held highly in the zebra’s hearts. And then there was my older brother, more like our father and not like mother. He was bold and wild, much unlike the other child. I stayed close to my mother’s side. She, my ideal; and I her pride.” Zecora smiled as she thought of her family, realizing it had been so long since she had last done so. “But our village’s peace was not to last, as under evil’s shadow we were all soon cast.” Her smile faded. “By an invading horde we were beset, fearsome brutes I shall never forget. I did not know it at the time, but our village sat atop a silver mine; and bearing weapons and armor like we had never seen; to obtain that silver they were most keen.” She paused to sip her tea again. “The initial attack we did repel, but many of the zebra fell. Against another attack we could not survive, so a plan was considered to keep us alive.” A pained look came over her as she recalled the events in her mind. “There were tales of an ancient spirit, even though most did not believe it. The elders said it protected the land and watched over the zebra for as far as they spanned.” She ran her hoof under her chin. “Away from the spiritual my father tended to lean, but my mother was open to the world unseen. She felt that this spirit could be our savior, but a sacrifice would be needed to obtain its favor. It was a tough decision with which to wrestle, for to summon this spirit she needed a vessel.” A hard breath escaped her as she struggled to continue her story. “For this, my brother volunteered; which is just what my father had feared. The boy wanted to be strong, like his father. And for the chance to save us he was quick to offer. No other zebra was brave enough to try, and so my mother accepted with a tear in her eye. A crystal was embedded in my brother’s chest, and it was up to my mother to handle the rest. Using her skills and ancient knowledge, to the spirit she made a solemn pledge. Her son’s body would be his to wield, in exchange for besting our enemies on the battlefield. Under heavy winds and a flash of light, the spirit took him and agreed to fight. When the horde returned to finish the job, they found only one standing against their mob. But that one was more than enough, and the flames of their lives the spirit did snuff.” She sighed heavily. “But the spirit was not what legend said it to be, it was not a guardian… but a demon you see. It returned to the village with a simple request and considered my mother to be at his behest. It wished to be free from the form of my kin; to walk the world again within its own skin. It ordered my mother to undo the bind, but she did not know how and said so in kind. Enraged by her answer the demon did attack, and against this foe we could not fight back. It… it took my mother’s life… a sight that still twists in my mind like a knife. By the end, only I and a few others were able to flee. But the demon swore only to come after me. It wants me to undo what was done that day; and if I cannot… it will see that I pay.” Zecora lowered her head and tears fell from her eyes. Apple Bloom, her eyes shedding tears of their own, immediately rose and hugged her legs.
“My word.” Rarity shuddered. “What a terrible and frightening story.”
“I’m so sorry Zecora.” Twilight said, barely able to believe what she just heard. “We had no idea you had been through something like that.”
Zecora shook her head. “Do not fret, for I myself have tried to forget.”
“So this… thing, is in your brother’s body and wants to be let out.” Applejack surmised. “Can you even do that?”
“It might be possible, but doing so will only be trouble.” Zecora brushed the tears from her eyes. “If that beast were to be let out, there is no telling what harm would come about. Though weaker within a pony, it is still more than capable; in its true form it would prove even more formidable.”
“So what are we supposed to do?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“My mother held more secrets than even I know, her volumes might hold the answer to routing this foe.”
“But to do that we’d have to travel back to your village.” Fluttershy pointed out.
Zecora nodded. “Yes, and since it is after me I cannot roam; so I need you to travel to my home. Uncover the secrets my mother hid, bring them here so I can discern what she did.”
“Can you tell us how to reach your home?” Twilight queried.
“I can, but do not go without a plan.” She warned. “My home is now a long dead place, there is no telling what danger you may face.”
“What happens while we’re gone?” Applejack asked?
“While you are gone, here I will stay.” Zecora stood. “I can protect your home and keep him at bay.”
“Fine.” Twilight nodded. “Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy will come to the zebra village with me. Pinkie and Rarity, stay here and help the Apples defend the farm.”
“Will do darling.” Rarity promised.
“You can count on us.” Pinkie saluted.
“I’ll send Starlight your way too, her magic will be a big help.” Twilight added.
Zecora went to her bags again and pulled out an old piece of parchment. She gave to it Twilight who opened it to reveal a map. “I kept track of my travels once I departed. Retrace my steps to find where I started.”
“Right.” Twilight looked back to her chosen team. “Let’s get moving girls.”
Author's Note
As this is a Zecora centered story the obvious challenge is Zecora herself. Writing coherent, interesting dialogue while staying within the bounds of her tendency to rhyme was certainly a fun challenge. Representing her well and properly is my biggest concern; so as a reader, if you have any thoughts or comments on what has been done so far, do share.
Part 2-A: The Zebra Village
A Striped Past
Part 2-A: The Zebra Village
The zebra village was far to the west; isolated in a region where few ponies willingly traveled. Based on Twilight’s estimations of the map, it would take almost 2 days to make the trip back to Zecora’s village by way of her balloon; and that was if conditions were favorable. With promises to return as soon as possible, they hurried back to the castle to inform Starlight and Spike of the situation. Starlight headed for Sweet Apple Acres while Spike promised to keep an eye on things in Ponyville. With not a second to waste, they packed up and headed into the skies. Twilight set their course and decided to ride the southern coastline to take advantage of the heavier winds off of the ocean. The trip was as quiet as it was long, with each of them contending not only with the unknown ahead of them but fear for their friends back home. The familiar plains and forests slowly turned more and more untamed as they passed into the mountain range. The valleys of the western inland were home to a massive, central river that branched off into a complex network of channels. Twilight guided the balloon down towards a clearing along the main body of the river. As they climbed out and surveyed the area, Twilight rolled the map up and returned it to her pack.
“Okay, according to the map, Zecora’s village is located near the base of that peak over there.” Twilight pointed to a jagged crest northwest of them. “From here it should be about another thirty miles.”
“Everypony keep your eyes peeled.” Applejack said as she gave Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy their packs. “No telling what kind of varmints are running around.”
“You certainly don’t have to tell me twice.” Fluttershy panned her gaze around them as they began to walk.
As they hiked they began to move away from the river bank. After a number of miles the group came across a vast, open area dotted with outcroppings of granite. Crossing the oddly quiet breadth of land, Applejack crinkled her nose in disgust as something foul wafted into it.
“Y’all smell that?” Applejack asked as she put her hoof to her nose.
“Wasn’t me.” Rainbow Dash retorted.
“Smells like sulfur.” Twilight took note of the odor as well.
Fluttershy covered her nose as well and glanced around, in the distance she saw one of the outcroppings sink into the ground. With a shill ‘eep’ she quickly ran over to Rainbow Dash. “Did you see that?” She asked.
“See what?” Rainbow Dash pried Fluttershy off of her.
“The rocks are moving.” She pointed out to where she had seen the event.
“That smell is just messing with your head.” Dash insisted.
As if in response to her dismissal, the ground beneath them began to shudder and a deep, guttural noise rose from the ground.
“Look out!” Twilight shouted as the earth beneath her ruptured. A fleshy maw rose from the ground and bit at the spot where she was walking; quickly diving back under after missing its target.
“Watch it, Shy!” Rainbow Dash sped to her friend and pushed her back as another creature rose from beneath her hooves.
“Get in the air!” Twilight instructed as she flew to Applejack and hooked their hooves together; she rose into the sky and was joined by the two pegasi.
“What are these things?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“I’ve never seen any animal like them.” Fluttershy noted.
“They’re called Earth Lurkers.” Twilight explained. “Their skin secretes a sticky mucus that causes the rock and soil they burrow through the stick to them. They use it as camouflage to hide from their prey and that smell is what they use to disorient anything that wanders into their territory."
“Super.” Rainbow Dash groaned.
“They hunt by sound; we should be safe up here.” Twilight added.
The ground again burst and one of the Lurkers rose into the air at them, mouth agape with jagged rows of teeth.
“Guess their ears are better than you thought!” Applejack curled her legs up as high as they could go.
“Catch Applejack!” Twilight ordered as she released her hold.
“On it!” Rainbow Dash dove after her and caught her.
Twilight reared back and fired an intense shot of magic directly into the thing's mouth. It let out a pained roar and ceased its attack. With its full, wormlike body exposed it landed on the surface and began moving its head around in search of its attacker.
“Dash, drop me on its back.” Applejack requested as they circled the area.
“You got it.” Rainbow Dash went into a dive and aimed Applejack carefully, releasing her at just the right moment to deposit her between a set of the rocky protrusions on its back.
Applejack pulled out her lasso and galloped up the creature, her earth pony strength the only thing keeping her hooves from sticking to its skin. As she neared the front end she tossed out her rope and it circled the pointed tip of its head. She yanked for all she was worth and the Lurker reeled back in response. Scaling the last dozen feet of its length she jumped up and drove her forelegs down onto its skull; the Lurker’s head returned to the ground hard and it fell unconscious. Applejack coiled her lasso and stood proudly on the fallen beast. “That’ll teach ya; you sneaky, overgrown earthworm.
“That was amazing.” Fluttershy commended as she flew down.
The ground began to quake again as the foursome watched all the rocks in the area lower into the soil.
“I don’t think they’re as impressed.” Twilight said as she picked Applejack up again. “Let’s get moving.”
“Good idea.” Rainbow Dash concurred as they flew high and away from the area.
Landing again once they were well away from the clearing, they began entering the forested area below the mountains. Fortunately, the rest of the journey was without incident. The quiet of the excursion was halted however, when as they neared the resting place of the zebra village the sounds of constant working began to drift through the still air. Keeping low as the tree line began to thin, they were soon overlooking the ruins of Zecora’s home. The collection of dilapidated wooden and stone abodes sat silent in the shade of the mountain.
“Look.” Fluttershy whispered as she pointed to the source of the sounds they had been hearing. Armored stallions were watching over the area while workers were coming in and out of a shaft that led into the mountain. The ruins themselves were being patrolled by similar soldiers and large carts of ore were lined up in preparation to be moved.
“The mine.” Twilight recalled Zecora’s story.
“Then they must be from the same group that attacked her village in the first place.” Rainbow Dash concluded.
“What are we supposed to do now?” Fluttershy asked worriedly. “There are so many of them.”
“We need to find Zecora’s house.” Applejack looked to Twilight. “Any idea which one is hers?”
Twilight looked over the village in silence for several moments. “Zecora said her father was chief of the village.” She began. “In most tribal settlements, the chief’s home is usually located near the center; it’s the most protected and defensible spot.”
“So that big building there would be it, right?” Fluttershy pointed to the largest remaining structure.
“No, it’s probably the second largest.” Twilight informed. “That building there is most likely a communal area, where meetings and gatherings were held.” She scanned the area around it. “There.” She pointed to a semi-crumbled home that had detailed paintings and markings on its face. “I’ll bet that it.”
“Then all we need to do is get you inside.” Applejack let out a harsh sigh. “Easier said than done though.”
“I have an idea.” Rainbow Dash cut in. “If Twilight can blast the entrance to the mine and seal it off; that will trap half of them inside. After that; Shy, AJ and I can draw the rest away from the village while she sneaks in and finds what we need.”
The others sat silent at her strategy. “Wow, that’s actually a really good plan.” Twilight praised.
“Thanks.” Dash smiled sheepishly. “That’s basically what Daring Do did when she battled the griffon warriors in the ruby mines of Mozambeak.”
“Alright then; go get into position Twilight.” Applejack stood and looked down the hill on which they sat atop. “As soon as you blow the door to the mine and they go to have a look see, we’ll move down and pull them out yonder.” She pointed to the northern edge of the village. “Then y’all can double back around and head into the village from the south end.”
“Alright.” Twilight nodded. “Just be careful.”
“We will.” Fluttershy promised. “When you find what you’re looking for, fire your magic in the air to let us know.”
“Will do.” Twilight nodded again and headed off into the trees to work her way towards the mine.
The remaining three watched the mine entrance intently as they waited. Within fifteen minutes; a wide, purple blast struck the face above the entrance and heavy rock cascaded down to block the way in. They waited a few moments, watching the patrolling soldiers scramble to investigate the noise. Once the village was clear, they headed down the steep hill and began moving around to the north side of the village. The headed into plain view of the nine stallions and Rainbow Dash whistled loudly.
“Hey!” She shouted. “Have a little accident!?”
The soldiers looked to each in confusion before eight of them began to attack while the ninth began to work on the collapsed tunnel. The trio ran further north, out of the village and into the woods with the soldiers close behind. They split up and further divided them; with three apiece going after Applejack and Rainbow Dash and the final two chasing after Fluttershy. With flight on their side, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy easily weaved through the trees. Fluttershy rose into the treetops and landed on a thick branch, finding herself surrounded by long tailed monkeys.
“Oh my.” She gasped. “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to disturb you.” The monkeys tilted their heads as they looked her over curiously. “I know you’re probably busy with monkey business at the moment… but I could really use your help.” The monkey’s chattered back at her. “You will?” She smiled brightly. “Thank you. Here’s what I need you to do.”
The soldiers passed through the spot where they last saw the foreign, yellow pegaus and began checking the area. As they searched, a hail of woodland debris began raining down on them from the high treetops. While shielded by their armor, the onslaught was enough to occupy them as Fluttershy descended from the greenery and looped a length of vine around one of their rear legs. She flew back up and pulled the length of vine over a sturdy branch and with some assistance from her new friends she pulled the soldier off his hooves and into the air. The monkeys quickly secured the vine around the trunk, removing the stallion from the battle. After a quick round of high fives, Fluttershy took another vine and prepared to repeat the process.
Rainbow Dash was far too fast for the soldiers but stayed in their sights just enough to give them hope and not abandon the chase. “C’mon guys!” She called as she began flying backwards, effortless avoiding the tree trunks. “You can do better than that!” Spurred by her taunts the soldiers galloped harder and began to gain some ground. “That’s the spirit.” Rainbow Dash laughed as she flew up into the treetops. She ripped off a decent sized branch and dove back down, this time heading right for the charging stallions. She flew low and let the branch collide with the front soldier’s forelegs; he immediately flipped head over hoof and crashed into the dirt as Rainbow Dash skidded to a halt. Pulling down her left eyelid and sticking her tongue out, she began heading back in the opposite direction with the other two giving chase once again.
Not being able to fly, Applejack had a harder time out maneuvering her pursuers. Running out of options she spied a smaller tree and spun around, bucking her back legs into it as hard as she could. The trunk cracked and the tree began to topple back towards her. With a strong jumped she evaded the falling timber and it caused the soldiers to scatter. Turning back she found herself face to face with one of them. “Alright now.” She challenged. “Let’s see just how tough y’all are.” She ran in and kicked at him, he blocked her hoof with his but was sent sliding back through the soil a good ten feet from the force of the impact. He looked at his hoof in shock at her power but Applejack offered him an impressed laugh. “Still standing huh? Guess you ain’t all show after all.” The soldier’s eyes widened as she ran at him again.
Back at the village, Twilight had managed to sneak her way into Zecora’s house. The air was stale inside the long abandoned dwelling and she could feel the weight of what had happened here all those years ago. While her inquisitive side was fascinated by what she saw, she knew she didn’t have time to dally. She quickly roamed the home, coming across a large bedroom that surely must have belonged to Zecora’s parents. The simple décor had rotted but she began to rifle through what remained in search of anything of note. Once the bedroom was clear she returned to main living area and began to scour the room. “There has to be something here.” Twilight muttered as her search yielded no results. She looked over the walls and noticed a spot that was slightly lighter in color. She hurried over and pressed her hoof against it, finding it to be a door that had been painted to match the stone wall almost flawlessly. Not seeing a handle, she used her magic to pull it from its hidden hinges and let it fall to the floor. Inside was a small antechamber with some form of totemic fixture against the rear wall. Below it was a small book shelf with several volumes on it and a chest against the side wall. She knelt down and pulled the books out with her magic, opening them all at once and scanning her eyes over the pages. One book seemed to be a personal encyclopedia of the plant and animal life in the area along with the medicinal properties of each. Another contained what looked like stories, legends and tales that were recorded. The third appeared to be Zecora’s mother’s journal; checking the last dozen or so pages Twilight saw mention of the things that Zecora had told them. There were also drawings and depictions of the events that led up to the village’s destruction. Most importantly though she found detailed accounts of the process and incantations used to summon and bind the being that was believed to be a guardian spirit. “This is it!” She slammed the books shut and put them in her pack. Even though she had found what she was looking for, her eyes were drawn to the chest. She quickly opened it and found a collection of items inside. Seeing something of particular interest, she added it to her pack before hurrying back outside. Twilight ran a few feet from the home and fired her magic as high in the air as it would reach. She waited an anxious ten minutes before she heard Applejack call to her. Her three friends came speeding back over to her and gathered at her side.
“Did you find what you were looking for?” Fluttershy asked.
“Yeah, Zecora’s mother kept a journal that talks about everything she did.” Twilight answered triumphantly.
“Great, let’s get out of here.” Rainbow Dash eagerly suggested.
They began running back through the village toward the forest but were halted by another twenty or so soldiers and several dozen workers.
“Oh no.” Twilight said breathlessly as she beheld the front. “I didn’t think they’d dig themselves out that quickly.”
One of the soldiers stepped forward and pointed his hoof at them. “I don’t know who you are, but you will regret the trouble you have caused.”
They began to back away as the mob approached them. Fluttershy quickly grabbed Twilight’s shoulder and leaned into her ear. “Stick your horn in the ground and release as big a blast as you can.”
“What?” Twilight looked to her with uncertainty.
“Just do it.” Fluttershy demanded.
“Okay.” Twilight stiffened her neck and jammed her horn into the ground. The soil swelled and rolled as she fired her magic, the reverberations echoing throughout the silent village. The soldiers readied themselves but nothing resulted from the action.
“Capture them!” The soldier shouted as they ran in.
“Get close!” Twilight raised a barrier around the four of them. The soldiers began to beat in it furiously; each blow rocking Twilight's concentration as she began to strain to maintain the shield.
“Now what?” Applejack asked in concern.
“Wait for it.” Fluttershy said firmly.
After a stressful few minutes the soldiers halted their offensive as a massive rumbling began to shake the entire area. Several holes opened up beneath the battle as Lurkers began to explode from the ground and attack everything in the immediate vicinity. The soldiers and workers began to flee in terror, doing what they could to avoid over a dozen of the subterranean creatures. Twilight, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash immediately took to the sky, with Applejack taking hold of Dash’s legs.
“Great thinking, Shy.” Rainbow Dash said as they watched the chaotic scene from the safety of the air.
“Yeah, you sure saved our hides.” Applejack agreed.
“Let’s get back to the balloon; we need to return to Sweet Apple Acres as soon as possible.” Twilight started out over the woods and the others quickly followed after. With no more need for cautious subterfuge, they flew back over the landscape and back to the balloon. As Twilight got back in the basket and prepared for takeoff, Rainbow Dash swiped Applejack's lasso and lashed herself to the balloon. “What are you doing?” Twilight asked.
“We’re done here. I don’t have to hold back anymore.” Dash said surely. “I’ll get us home in no time.”
“Are you sure?” Applejack asked as she entered the basket. “Your wings will be wet noodles by the time we get back.”
“Hah, Spitfire’s drills are more challenging than this.” Rainbow Dash said with a confident smile.
“Count me in.” Fluttershy tied herself up much the same and stood at her side.
“Thanks you two.” Twilight smiled as she fired up the burner and they began lifting into the air. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy started to pull the balloon along and the once slow moving dirigible soon became a chariot in the sky.
Author's Note
Part 2 will be broken into two separate parts that take place during the same span of time. Part 2-A is the story of what happens to Twilight, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Applejack during their journey to the zebra village. Part 2-B will be the story of what happens at Sweet Apple Acres while they are away.
Part 2-B: Showdown at Sweet Apple Acres
A Striped Past
Part 2-B: Showdown at Sweet Apple Acres
As Twilight and her chosen companions left; Pinkie, Rarity and the Apples gathered around Zecora for further instruction.
“Alright dear, what can we do to help?” Rarity asked.
Zecora looked out the window. “I do not know when he will next appear, all we can do is wait I fear. But there are some things I can prepare, so that in this battle we can better fare.”
“I’ll help you.” Apple Bloom said as she hefted one of her bags. “We can set up in the kitchen.”
“Do whatever y’all need to do.” Granny Smith gave her okay to the idea. “Anything on the farm you think will help we’ll make sure you have.”
“Your farm tools will do; bring them to me, would you?” Zecora requested.
“Big Mac?” Granny looked to him and pointed towards the barn.
“Eeyup.” Big Mac nodded and headed for the door.
“You should go too, Pinkie.” Rarity suggested. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for anypony to be walking around alone out there.”
“No problem.” Pinkie bounded to Big Mac’s side and they hurried out towards the barn.
Apple Bloom followed Zecora into the kitchen and began unpacking the things they brought. She found herself not recognizing many of the materials. “Hey Zecora, what is all this?” She picked up an eerie looking charm that was made from bone.
Zecora let out a wistful sigh. “Things I had hoped you would not have to see; things that represent an abandoned side of me.”
“What do you mean?”
“I have taught you only half of what I know; the other half being arts handed down from long ago. From using them I swore to refrain, but with the threat at hoof… from doing so I can no longer abstain.”
“You’re talking about spiritual stuff, ain’t ya?” Apple Bloom asked. Zecora looked at her with a bit of shock at her astuteness. “I kind of guessed, hearing about your mother and all. You know how to do that stuff too?”
“Not as proficiently as she; but yes, I can, as you will see.” Zecora put her hoof to Apple Bloom’s head. “I did not keep these things from you out of distrust. It is due to their nature that I felt I must. While your friendship has never swayed, I worried that if you knew you would be afraid.”
“It’s okay.” Apple Bloom nodded with a warm smile. “Knowing about it doesn’t change how I see you at all. In fact, hearing about your past makes me feel that much closer to you.”
“Thank you, little one. Now, let’s see to it that this battle is won.” With a sure nod from Apple Bloom she began to explain what she had planned.
Back in the living room, Big Mac and Pinkie returned with a bounty of work tools. Big Mac began setting them out on the table while Pinkie returned to Rarity.
“Did you see anything out there?” Rarity inquired.
“Nope, but it’s awfully quiet.” Pinkie noted. “You could hear a pin drop, really weird.”
“That certainly doesn’t sound good.” Rarity felt a chill at the news.
“Them animals out there can sense a lot more than we can.” Granny went to the window and looked out over her farm. “They probably high tailed it out of here; which means that evil whatchamacallit isn’t too far away.” The group sat in silence at Granny’s words; they then jumped in fright as the sound of a voice broke the ominous quiet.
“Rarity! Pinkie!” Starlight’s voice rang out.
Rarity held her hoof to her chest, her heart racing a mile a minute. “Oh, its’ only Starlight.” She ran to the door and poked her head out. “Over here, darling!” She waved and caught her attention.
Starlight rushed inside and shut the door. “Twilight told me what’s going on, everything still okay here?”
“Yes, no sign of our unwelcome guest just yet.” Rarity informed.
“Not going to lie, that was a lot to take in.” Starlight admitted. “Are we really dealing with some kind of ancient demon?”
“Like that’s the craziest thing we’ve had to deal with.” Pinkie casually noted. “Heck, we’re friends with stranger things.”
“You have a point.” Rarity conceded.
“Well whatever it is, it it’s looking for a fight then I’m ready to give it one.” Starlight vowed.
Zecora and Apple Bloom came in from the kitchen bearing a box of prepared materials. Zecora looked over the tools on the table and hummed approvingly. “These will do nicely, now I will attempt to explain our options concisely.”
“What have we got?” Starlight asked as she and the others joined them by the table.
“Since I do not know what he can truly do, I have put together some basics to help see us through.” Zecora pulled out seven necklaces from the box. “Each of you must wear a charm, they will help protect you from harm.”
“Pretty.” Pinkie said as she donned hers.
“Doesn’t exactly match, but function over form I suppose.” Rarity slid hers on with her magic.
Zecora went to the tools on the table. “Next I will…”
“Wait a sec hon.” Granny interrupted her. “Do y’all hear that?”
The group felt the air grow still and they could hear the trees outside begin to rustle wildly. Starlight ran to the window and looked into the front yard. “Zecora, you might want to see this.” She called back over her shoulder.
Zecora joined her and gritted her teeth as she beheld her brother. “He found us soon than I suspected. I suppose that is to be expected.”
“Finish your work.” Starlight gave her a confident look. “I’ll keep him busy till you’re ready.”
“Starlight, this creature is powerful and old; you’ve nothing to gain from being so bold.” Zecora warned.
“Hey, I’m no slouch in the magic department.” Starlight smiled. “I’ve got a few tricks of my own, trust me.”
Zecora nodded and laid her hoof to her. “Just don’t overdo, we’ll be right behind you.”
“Leave it to me.” Starlight headed outside, taken aback at first by the strong wind that blew through the area. She bravely walked out into the front yard and faced the cloaked zebra.
“I am here for Zecora.” He said calmly. “Bring her to me, unicorn.”
“Not gonna happen.” Starlight held her ground. “You aren’t laying a hoof on our friend without a fight.”
“You think you are a threat to me?” He balked. “You are nothing.” He waved his hoof and an unseen force cut through the air. Starlight braced herself and as the wave passed over her, the charm around her neck reacted and dissipated the attack. Seeing this, he let slip a bemused laugh. “More of Zecora’s tricks.”
“My turn.” Starlight’s horn lit up and she let loose a massive blast of raw magical power. It struck him in the chest and he lurched forward as he was pushed back.
“Impressive, girl.” He smiled as he pulled the cloak from his body. “But for your sake, I hope that was not your best.” He reached out to his side and an ectoplasmic tendril rose from the ground and wrapped around a nearby apple tree. It plucked the tree from the ground with ease and launched it at Starlight.
Starlight raised a barrier around herself and the tree splinted into pieces as it smashed against it. As she lowered her defense she saw him slowly walking towards her. “Not even close.” She taunted. “Here’s an oldie but a goody. Let’s see how you like my Similo Duplexis, Accelero combo.” Her horn lit up once more and she split into two. The twins ran in opposite directions at blinding speed, they began circling the demon and firing off magic blasts into him from all angles.
Growling in irritation, the zebra slammed his hoof into the dirt and trails of ectoplasm began to snake out in all directions. The end of each trail formed into an claw and they began grasping at the purple blurs around them. Through virtue of sheer numbers, both Starlights were taken by their ankles and lifted into the air. Starlight ended her spell and as her duplicate vanished, she teleported herself from the claw's grip. Seeing his opening as she reappeared and fell from the air, he jumped at her and drove his hoof into her chest. All the air left her as she was brought to the ground and pinned down. “A valiant effort, unicorn. But ultimately futile.”
“Zahir!” Zecora’s voice called out.
“You still call me that name?” Zahir released Starlight and rose to face her. “How… sentimental.”
“Get away from Starlight you big jerk!” Pinkie commanded.
“And get off my land while you’re at it!” Granny added.
“You are welcome to your friend.” He braced his hoof against Starlight’s stomach and sent her flying towards them. Big Mac jumped and caught her, cradling her as he landed hard on the ground.
“Starlight.” He held her head up. “You okay?”
“Been… better.” She managed through a sharp breath.
“And I shall gladly leave this place.” Zahir continued. “Assuming Zecora gives me what I want.”
“You take me for a fool, I will not be your unwitting tool.” Zecora said firmly. “To grant your wish will doom the land; for seeing you free I will not stand.”
“And you can be sure we feel the same way.” Apple Bloom affirmed. “Zecora is our friend; and if you mess with her then you’re messin with us all.”
Zahir bore wicked smile. “Friends eh, then perhaps I should call upon my own.” He knelt and laid his hoof on the ground. “I believe you know them, Zecora.” He drew an arcane symbol in the dirt and the crystal in his chest began to glow. Shapeless, ectoplasmic masses rose from the ground and swirled about him. “Let those who fell while I did stand, take form again and obey my command!” The masses slowly took on equine form.
“Oh no… it cannot be so.” Zecora watched in horror as the entities fully formed into her lost zebra kin. Of most note was the one that stood at Zahir’s side. “Father…”
Zahir rose and slowly pointed his hoof at Zecora. “Bomani, bring me your daughter.” Without word the spectral zebras began to move in.
“Zecora, what do we do?” Rarity asked but Zecora was paralyzed by the emotional surge of what she saw.
“Everypony back inside!” Apple Bloom took charge and ushered them all into the house. She slammed the door and hurried over to the table. “Here, the tools.” Apple Bloom hopped up into a chair and popped open a vial of oil that she and Zecora had prepared. She poured into onto the heads of the farm tools and they started to glow opalescent.
“What the hay are you doing Apple Bloom?” Granny asked as they gathered around her.
“Those things are spirits, normal stuff won’t work on em.” Apple Bloom began. “But Zecora said that coating things in this oil will basically let us fight back against anything spiritual in nature. So everypony grab one; that barrier powder I laid out around the house won’t keep those things out like it will Zahir.”
As each chose a weapon, the ethereal ponies began walking through the walls in pursuit. Pinkie readied her garden hoe like a bat and ran at the nearest enemy. “Take this!” She swung and the tool connected solidly, knocking the zebra back. “Hey, it works!” She cheered.
“Time for round two then.” The weary Starlight used her magic to begin swinging her rake about in elegant fashion, fending off another pair of the invaders.
“Eeyup!” Big Mac charged in with his shovel with Rarity and Apple Bloom behind him.
Granny went to the shaken Zecora and grabbed her cheeks. “Listen hon, I can’t imagine how you must be feeling right now, but we darn sure need you thinking straight.”
The haze in Zecora’s eyes faded and she looked down into the old pony’s wise eyes. “Yes… you are right. Now is not the time to freeze in fright.” Her peripheral vision caught sight of an incoming pair of hooves and she grabbed Granny and jumped away. They turned back to see her father approaching. “Father, you have my vow; I will see you free from this torment somehow.” Granny readied her enchanted trowel but Zecora held her back. She grabbed a sack of chalk powder from the table and dipped her hoof in it; she quickly set her powdered hoof to the floor and drew a symbol of her own. Muttering an incantation in a foreign tongue, the chalk symbol seemed to come to life and slither over to her father. It formed a circle around him and he found himself unable to move. “That will hold him steady; let us help the others, Granny.” As her friends struggled against the ghosts, Zecora ran about the house and repeated the binding she had performed on her father. Once all of their opponents were incapacitated, she returned to the table and retrieved a shamanistic staff. In the center of the room she planted the sharp end into the floorboards and began reciting an incantation. The spirits began to wail as if in pain and slowly faded from view. As the house fell quiet, the exhausted group reconvened around her.
“My word, what was that” Rarity asked.
“A ritual for banishment.” Zecora answered with a heavy sigh. “It sees that from this plane, all spirits are sent.”
“Are you okay?” Apple Bloom saw the drained look in her eyes.
“I am alright, but we have yet to make it through this night.” Zecora steeled herself. “Let us finish this affair and send that beast scurrying back to its lair.”
The group headed back outside where Zahir awaited them. “I see you have your mother’s talent after all.” He applauded.
“For what you have done to my kin, you will pay.” Zecora promised. “You have my word we will win this day.”
“Does anypony have any ideas on how we’re going to do that?” Pinkie asked, as even her endless optimism was being tested by this ordeal.
“I do.” Starlight spoke up. “Spike gave me a scroll before we split up, he said it was a powerful spell that would help out in a tight spot.”
“Then by all means, darling.” Rarity gestured for her to proceed.
Starlight pulled the scroll out and opened it up, she took a deep breath but paused in confusion as she read. “What kind of spell is this?”
“Who cares, just read the dern thing.” Granny insisted.
“Alright." Starlight shrugged. “Captain Wuzz! Come to our aid in this time of need in the world of Ogres & Oubliettes!”
The group jumped back as a burst of smoke appeared in their midt and Discord emerged. “What ho! Is it time again to travel back into the breaches of dark…” He stopped as he noticed the atypical assortment of ponies around him.
“Discord?” Starlight asked in surprise.
“Oh, Starlight.” He patted her on the head. “Partaking in the raucous adventure I see. Well, if you’re all going to be joining in you to need to pick character cards.” He waved his hand a collection of stat cards appeared in his claw.
“Sorry Discord, this isn’t a game.” Starlight pointed to Zahir. “See that guy, he’s an ancient demon possessing the body of Zecora’s brother and we need you to help us stop him.”
Discord glanced over at Zahir. “You called me all the way here for this ?” He asked, a bit perturbed. “He doesn’t look that tough.”
“Is this some kind of joke?” Zahir asked. “What is that ridiculous creature you have called upon?”
“Ridiculous?” Discord turned an angry eye to Zahir. He snapped his fingers and instantly appeared in front of him. “You dare call Discord, the master of chaos… ridiculous?”
Zahir looked up at Discord without the slightest hint of fear. “Whatever you are, if you get in my way, I will remove you.”
Discord smiled and looked back at the others. “Alright Starlight, this ones on the house.” He turned back. “Now, you need to be taken down at notch.” He snapped his fingers and Zahir was instantly pulled neck deep in the ground.
“Ah, I see now… chaos magic.” Zahir laughed. “This might be fun after all.” His eyes went aglow and the soil around him burst, he flew from the ground and landed cleanly. Raising his hoof, three ectoplasmic spheres formed around him; they thinned out into razor sharp disks and he sent them at Discord.
Discord separated his slender body into segments and the blades passed by harmlessly; he reformed himself with a smug laugh. “Please, is that all you’ve….” One of the blades curved back and sliced off his left claw. He watched it fall to the ground and sighed. “Really.” He picked it up and began sewing it back on with thread and needle he summoned forth. Wiggling the fingers of his reattached claw he dismissed the sewing equipment. “Fine, you want to play rough?” He snapped his fingers and a boat appeared over Zahir’s head, as it fell from the sky the zebra leapt out of its way. Snapping his fingers again and again, more random junk began raining down on Zahir but all of it missed its mark.
“Such power.” Zahir said as he once again landed safely. “Yet you wield it like a child.” He cocooned himself in ectoplasm and it slid off of his body, forming two duplicates of himself.
“Ha, I know that trick too.” Discord snapped his fingers and four more of himself appeared. “Get him you handsome rapscallions.” The four Discords charged in and were met by the two Zahirs. As they clashed, the real Discord and Zahir began walking towards each other.
Discord summoned his Ogres and Oubliettes bow and fired a volley of arrows; Zahir in turn summoned his ectoplasmic claws and each one plucked an arrow from the air and snapped it in two. Zahir then sent his claws after Discord who, with a snap of his fingers, brought an equal number of licorice vines from the ground which intercepted them. Snapping his fingers again, one of the apple trees came to life and began hurling apples at Zahir; with a wave of his hoof, an ectoplasmic blade cut through the tree and felled it. As Discord raised his claw to snap again, he felt something grab him; looking down he saw that his legs and tail were held fast by more claws that he hadn’t noticed sneak up on him. He snapped his fingers but they did not yield and more came forth to take hold of his arms and neck, immobilizing him.
Zahir stepped up to him and smiled at his surprise. “Your chaos magic has great effect on the physical world, but it cannot directly impact the spiritual one. Your power cannot remove my binds; you have lost, trickster.”
“That makes two of us.” Discord grinned as he slid his eyes over towards the house.
“What?” Zahir looked back to see Zecora finishing a massive symbol she had been carving into the ground while they were fighting. “No!” He started back to the house but she drove her staff into the symbol’s center and it began to glow. Zahir instantly fell to the ground in pain and his body began to fade. “Zecora! This is not over!” He screamed as he vanished from the battlefield. His doubles disappeared and the claws holding Discord faded away.
“Discord!” Starlight and Zecora ran over. “Are you okay?”
“I'll have you know that I had him right where I wanted him.” He brushed the ectoplasmic residue from his arms.
“I know you did.” Starlight said with a wink.
“The time it takes for that ritual we could not afford, at least not without your help, Discord.” Zecora lowered her head in appreciation. “If I may, I would like to ask if you would stay. This war is not yet complete and your power will surely help in Zahir’s defeat.”
“Well, I certainly have a score to settle with him now.” Discord grumbled. “Alright, I’ll help you.”
“Thanks Discord.” Starlight smiled but let out a groan and fell to her knees.
“Hey.” Discord quickly held her up. “What’s wrong with her?”
“She battled Zahir but was injured in the end.” Zecora pointed to the house. “Take her inside and her wounds I will tend.”
Discord snapped his fingers and teleported Starlight and himself inside. As Zecora helped Starlight, the others cleaned up the house as best they could. Granny Smith took the time to prepare soup for dinner and as the sun finally set on the trying day, the battered group sat about in the living room to finally relax.
“Here you go sweetie.” Granny put a pillow under the bandaged Starlight's head.
“Thanks, Granny Smith.” She settled on the couch with a heavy sigh.
“Well, we may be worse for wear… but we won.” Rarity said proudly.
“That is true, and I must thank you.” Zecora looked over them. “This fight was never meant for you, but without you I could not see this through.”
“We’re all in this till the end.” Pinkie put her hoof over her heart. “Pinkie promise.”
“I just hope we bought enough time for Twilight and the others to make it back.” Starlight said through a yawn.
“Well we’ll worry about all that tomorrow.” Granny eyed them all. “Right now, y’all need to get some sleep. You’ve done enough for one day.” She looked to Bic Mac and pointed over at Apple Bloom who had already fallen asleep. “Take your sister to her room, then you get on to your own.”
“Eeyup.” Bic Mac lifted his slumbering sibling and headed upstairs.
“Zecora, you can sleep in Applejack’s room; and you two can take the guest room.” Granny gestured to Pinkie and Rarity. “I’ll stay down here with Starlight.”
“Are you certain?” Rarity looked at her unsurely.
“Certain as rain in the spring, now git.” She waved the three of them upstairs with a motherly smile.
As Granny went to the couch to sit beside Starlight, Discord took the spot from her. “I don’t need to sleep, but old ponies like you do.” He flippantly waved her off. “I’ll stay with Starlight and keep an eye on things.”
“Well, that’s mighty sweet of you.” Granny smiled. “If y’all need anything just help yourself.” She patted Starlight’s leg. “See you in the morning kiddo.”
“Goodnight Granny.” Starlight said with a weak smile. As Granny headed upstairs she rolled her eyes up to Discord. “Careful, keep this up and somepony might think we’re friends or something.”
“Shut up and sleep.” He said sternly but with a light smile. As she closed her eyes, Discord snapped his fingers and extinguished the oil lanterns.
Author's Note
For anyone interested or wondering; Zahir is pronounced (Zah-Heer) and Bomani is pronounced (Bo-Mah-Nee). Zahir is a name with Arabic roots that spread to parts of East and Central Africa, it means 'apparent' or 'bright'. Bomani is a name with Egyptian roots that became popular in West Africa, it means 'young warrior'.
A Striped Past
Part 3: The Last Zebra
After three days from their departure, Twilight’s balloon appeared over Sweet Apple Acres. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy brought them down in Applejack’s battle scarred front yard. As soon as their hooves touched ground, the pegasi collapsed into heaps.
“Girls!” Twilight and Applejack leapt out and ran to them. “Are you okay?” Twilight asked as she propped up Rainbow Dash.
“I’m fine… Twilight.” She said with a breathless laugh. “Told you… we could get you back… in half the time.” She wearily raised her hoof towards Fluttershy. “Up high, Shy.”
“Oh… maybe later.” Fluttershy said weakly as she rested in Applejack’s hooves.
“Thank you both, just rest now.” Twilight looked them over with a tender smile.
“Applejack!” Apple Bloom burst through the front door and ran over as Zecora and Big Mac followed her outside.
“Thank goodness y’all are okay.” Applejack turned and caught her sister in a hug. “Speaking of which.” She looked about at the destruction. “What the hay happened here?”
“Zahir showed up the afternoon after y’all left.” Apple Bloom explained. “We fought him off, but it sure wasn’t easy.”
“Zahir?” Twilight repeated the foreign name.
“Oh, that’s…. Zecora’s brother’s name.” Apple Bloom looked up as Zecora’s shadow came over her.
“Another day I expected your trip to last, how in Equestria did you return so fast?” Zecora asked.
“That’s only thanks to these two.” Applejack patted Fluttershy’s back.
“We should get back inside.” Apple Bloom suggested. “Yesterday was quiet but we’re not safe out here in the open.”
“Right.” Applejack nodded. “Big Mac, can you give Fluttershy a hoof?”
“Eeyup.” Bag Mac lifted Fluttershy onto his back.
“Thank you.” Fluttershy sighed as she hung off of him like a wet towel.
Rainbow Dash tried to stand but fell again; Applejack caught her and acted as a crutch. “Easy now, I’ve got ya.”
“Heh… thanks.” Rainbow Dash hobbled along at her side.
As they entered the house Discord immediately shot up at the sight of his weary BFF. “Fluttershy.” He snapped his fingers and made a bed appear; snapping again, Fluttershy found herself resting comfortably atop a large pillow with a plush bear at her side.
“Discord?” She looked up at him in surprise. “You’re here too?”
“Spike saw to it that he got wrangled in.” Starlight said from her spot on the couch.
“Starlight!” Twilight ran to her, observing the bandages around her midsection and back leg.
“I’m okay.” Starlight assured. “Just roughed up a bit.” She smiled over at the draconequus. “Fortunately, Discord has been taking good care of me.”
“Is that true?” Fluttershy looked back to him with a bright smile.
“Now don’t go getting the wrong impression.” Discord pointed a warning claw at her. “It’s just... common courtesy between fellow warriors.”
Applejack set Rainbow Dash down in a chair as Granny Smith came to her. “Y’all are a sight for sore eyes. Sore everything else as a matter of fact.”
“Must have been quite a tussle.” Applejack noted.
“Nothing we couldn’t handle, darling.” Rarity said as she knelt down beside Rainbow Dash with a cup of water held in her magic. “But after all this is done, I say we’ve earned a spa day.”
“Sounds good.” Rainbow Dash quickly downed the glass and let out a huge sigh of relief.
“So did you find anything back in Zecora’s village?” Pinkie asked as she hopped onto the bed with Fluttershy.
“Yes, I am eager to know; how did your journey go?” Zecora beckoned Twilight to join her at the table.
“Well, we ran into those marauders that attacked your village, they were mining in the mountain.” Twilight explained as she sat at the table’s head. “But I was able to find your mother’s things while the others distracted them.” She set her pack on the table and removed the books she discovered, laying them out before Zecora.
Zecora moved them closer and began looking through them; the sight of her mother’s writing bringing back all manner of memories. “This is certainly what we need, with this information I know we can succeed.”
“I… also found this.” Twilight pulled out a hoofmade doll of a zebra from her pack. “It was in a box in the same chamber as the books.”
As soon as Zecora set sight on the toy, tears began streaming from her eyes. She gently reached out and took it, as if not sure it was actually real. “My mother made this for me… to think, it survived that tragedy.” She wiped her eyes with a smile.
“This whole situation must be a nightmare for you.” Twilight reached over and laid her hoof atop hers. “I’m glad we were able to bring some happiness back from your home.”
“Thank you, for bringing me this treasure. Its worth is more than I can measure.” She took her mother’s journal and stood. “Allow me to look through this text, so I can discover what we must do next.” She took the book and headed upstairs to read.
“Okay.” Twilight nodded. “In the meantime we’ll keep a lookout.”
While they waited, Apple Bloom prepared a balm for Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy to soothe their wings and muscles while Granny Smith and Big Mac made a meal for them all. A long and nervous two hours passed before they heard Zecora come back downstairs. “Everypony, gather round. I will show you what I’ve found.” She laid the journal out on the table as the others assembled. “What my mother did was create a pact. This exchange bound it to my family line, which explains how I am tracked.”
“So no matter how far you ran, it was always able to find you.” Apple Bloom summarized.
“Yes. That is my guess.” Zecora nodded. “More importantly though, I learned the answer to our question; that being the nature of my brother’s possession. You see, while my brother’s body is at its behest; the demon truly resides in the jewel on his chest. I had thought it a mere conduit, but it is actually the source of its imprisonment.”
“Wait.” Twilight halted her. “So you’re saying that if we can get that jewel out of your brother… he’ll turn back to normal?”
“That’s great.” Starlight perked up at the good news. “Then all we have to do is pull that jewel out and smash it.”
“No, that is the one outcome that cannot be.” Zecora shook her head. “Breaking it would inadvertently set him free.” She sighed in thought. “If we can remove the jewel, I’ll make a new pact; and my brother can be released from his contract. Still, the jewel is its prison and that must remain so, we need a replacement vessel in which the stone can go.”
“Does it have to be something alive?” Twilight asked.
“Not only alive, but also willing; a noble sacrifice is the key to the pact’s fulfilling.”
“But moving it to another body won’t solve anything.” Rarity pointed out.
“It doesn’t have to be a pony right?” Applejack asked. “Can’t we just stick him in a bird or something?”
“Oh no!” Fluttershy immediately refuted. “We couldn’t do that to an animal.”
“I know it ain’t the kindest thing to do Fluttershy.” Applejack admitted. “But what else are we supposed to do?”
“Actually.” Discord called the room’s attention. “I think that may be something I can help with.”
“How?” Rainbow Dash asked, a bit skeptical.
“Oh you’ll see, just leave it my capable claws.” He smiled at the suspense he created.
“If that is true, then we know what we must do.” Zecora closed the journal.
“So how do we get the jewel out of his chest?” Apple Bloom asked. “I mean, even Discord couldn’t beat him.”
“I didn’ t lose.” Discord growled. “Zecora sent him away before I could finish him off is all.”
“We don’t have time to argue so I’m going to let that one go.” Starlight said as she began removing her bandages. “With all of us working together, I know we can beat him down enough to pry that thing out of him.”
“Starlight’s right.” Rainbow Dash stretched her refreshed wings. “Nothing else left to do but get it done.”
“But we have no idea when he’ll be back.” Pinkie noted.
“Not necessarily. Thanks to my mother’s records, I can summon him to me.” Zecora headed for the door. “Are you ready, my friends?” One way or the other, today this ends.”
“Ready when you are.” Twilight glanced around to see nods of agreement.
Applejack went to Granny Smith with a confident smile. “You sit this one out Granny, we’ve got his covered.”
“Buck him once for me.” Granny patted her shoulder.
Zecora retrieved her staff and went outside with the others behind her. Sticking it the ground, she began to recite the summoning that her mother used all those years ago to call the demon to her village. The sky grew gray and the wind once again began to pick up.
“Now you call upon me?” Zahir’s voice echoed all around them. “Have you come to your senses then? Are you done with this meaningless struggle?” A massive rush of dust rose and Zahir stepped from it.
“We are far from done Zahir. Your time draws near.” Zecora said firmly.
“Is that so?” Zahir looked past Zecora at her allies. “It does not matter how many of you there are; you cannot stop me.”
“Before that may have been true, but now I understand how to stop you.”
“Do you now?” He eyed her menacingly. “I grow tired of your stubbornness. I have been trapped in this body for long enough.” He pointed at her friends. “I will make you watch as I destroy them, I will break your resolve and in your despair… you will give me what I want.” Zahir’s eyes went white and his body began to seep ectoplasm; four, long tendrils formed on his back and began writhing excitedly. As they shot forward at Zecora, Starlight teleported in front of her and raised her barrier. The tendrils rebounded off of the magical field and returned to their master.
Twilight spread her wings. “Hit him with everything you’ve got!” She flew up and over Starlight. “Now!” She fired a focused beam of magic at Zahir as Starlight lowered her shield and did the same.
“Not this time.” Zahir pulled the tendrils together and they formed into an ectoplasmic barricade. It took the blast, showing little damage from the magical offensive. As he separated the barricade, Zahir was smacked in the back of the head by an egg. Looking back he saw Discord riding Applejack’s chicken coop which he had animated. It reached inside of itself and pulled out more eggs to begin throwing.
“Get ready to perform the ritual.” Starlight looked back to Zecora. “Leave him to us.” With a nod from Zecora, Starlight ran after Twilight to engage Zahir.
Back across the way, Applejack readied her lasso and prepared to join in. Apple Bloom stopped her and pulled out the oil she had used on the tools. “Here, put this on your rope.”
“What is it?” Applejack asked as she took the vial and began pouring it over the length of rope.
“It’ll give it an extra kick against Zahir.” Apple Bloom glanced over at Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. “Y’all need to be careful though. We have these charms to help protect us but we don’t have any more.”
“Don’t worry about us squirt.” Rainbow Dash jumped up into the air. “He won’t lay a hoof on us. Let’s go AJ.”
“Right.” Applejack pulled her hat down and ran into the battle with Rainbow Dash above her.
“C’mon, Big Mac.” Pinkie elbowed him sharply. “Let’s get in there and show that meanie whose boss.” The two of them set off after the others.
“Apple Bloom, dear.” Rarity lowered herself beside her. “Do you have any more of that oil?”
“Sure do.” Apple Bloom nodded.
“Wonderful, I have an idea.” She smiled keenly. “Would you give us a hoof Fluttershy?”
“Um.” Fluttershy looked out at the intense battle and then back to Rarity, an eager smile on her face. “Yes, yes I will.”
In the thick of the fight, Zahir found himself on the defensive as he dodged and blocked the onslaught of attacks that were sent his way. Taking the time to focus, he drove his tendrils into the ground and brought them up under the chicken coop. The wooden structure splinted and Discord flew into the air to avoid the grasping coils. With his back open, Twilight sent out a stream of magical energy that wound itself around the base of the growths on his back and cinched tight. As Zahir turned his attention to her, Applejack appeared and threw out her lasso; the rope caught his rear leg and she ran past him to pull his leg out from under him. Rainbow Dash flew in at top speed and collided with his head, sending him to the ground. Zahir slashed his hoof at the rope but the enchantment prevented it from cutting. He pulled his leg back in an attempt to yank Applejack closer but Big Mac ran behind her and bit down on the end of the rope, their combined strength enough to counter his efforts. Starlight released a tether of her own and wrapped it around his foreleg; between her, Twilight and the Apple siblings they were able to pull his body taught.
“Pinkie?” Discord teleported next to her. “Do you happen to have that cannon you’re always lugging around?”
“Of course.” Pinkie wheeled around and presented the cannon to him.
“Perfect, how about we give it a little oomph?” He snapped his fingers and the cannon began to grow, Pinkie hopped on and soon found herself nearly twenty feet in the air atop the massive artillery.
“Whoo hoo!” Pinkie cheered. “What do we fire?”
“Hmm, dealer’s choice.” He gestured back to her.
“Pianos!” The ever random Pinkie said the first thing that popped into her head.
“Splendid.” Discord snapped his fingers and a pair of grand pianos were quickly loaded. “Fire when ready.” He swapped into a general’s outfit and pointed at Zahir.
“Fire!” Pinkie spanked the back of the cannon and it launched the instruments at their immobilized foe.
Applejack pulled back her lasso as they crashed onto Zahir. Twilight and Starlight called off their spells and the team regrouped to observe the silent pile of rubble.
“Did we get him?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Is it ever that easy?” Starlight asked in return.
The rubble began to shake and soon exploded off of Zahir who shook the debris from his body with furious eyes. “Enough of this.” He said between heavy breaths. “I will not be bested by inferior creatures like you.” His body began to quake and a row of spines rose from his back and the sound of muscle and bone reconstructing could be heard as his legs extended. His hooves split in half and curled into sharp claws. The bone structure of his head altered and flared about the eyes and nostrils. His muzzle widened and the once squared teeth formed into fangs. Spreading his stance he roared and glared at them. “You three… are not protected…” He threw his hoof out at Rainbow Dash and she launched into the air, crashing down hard into the dirt.
“Rainbow!” Twilight looked back to see her lying still.
Big Mac saw Zahir turn his eyes to Apple Jack, he ripped the charm from his neck and ran to her. As he affixed it to her neck, he too was sent flying as Zahir attacked.
“Big Mac!” She looked down at the charm, recalling what Apple Bloom had said. “Twilight! Watch out!”
As Zahir looked to Twilight, Starlight cast a duplication spell on her charm and teleported the copy around Twilight’s neck. She braced for impact but felt the attack pass by her. Twilight opened her eyes, now filled with determination, and readied herself.
“No matter.” Zahir started his approach. “I will finish you with my own claws.”
“Don’t let up.” Twilight rallied them. “Losing isn’t an option here.”
“Don't worry, I’ve seen bigger and scarier.” Discord said as he snapped his fingers, the ground beneath Zahir turned to chocolate pudding and he struggled in the mire of desert.
“Your childish antics will not protect you!” Zahir summoned the tendrils on his back once more, this time the ends formed into hooked appendages and he buried them into the ground. He pulled himself free, now moving about like a spider. He opened his mouth wide and stream of his ectoplasm spewed forth. The group darted in different directions and surrounded Zahir.
“Starlight, give me a speed boost!’ Applejack called across to her.
“Right!” Starlight cast her accelero spell on Applejack.
“Cover me, y’all!” Applejack began running in a circle around Zahir, building up an insane amount of momentum.
Twilight and Starlight fired in tandem, keeping Zahir off balance as he swatted at them with his legs. Discord and Pinkie reconvened and watched the action.
“What else have you got?” He asked.
“Let me see…” She began digging around in her mane. “Ah!” She pulled out an assortment of bottle rockets. “Leftover fireworks.”
“Works for me.” He snapped his fingers and enlarged them as he did the cannon. He pulled a pair of lit matches from behind his ear and handed one to Pinkie. They lit the empowered explosives which started flying towards their target. Zahir recoiled as he was struck in the face by one of the rockets. Seeing her chance, Applejack turned towards him and jumped. She kicked out her back legs and delivered the buck of a lifetime to Zahir’s chest. He flipped over and rolled in the air, slamming into the ground and skidding to a stop. He struggled to rise, dazed from the monumental impact.
Twilight landed next to Starlight and readied her horn. “Let’s give it all we’ve got.”
“Can do.” Starlight readied herself as well. They united horns and fired their combined magic into Zahir. He left the ground upon impact but Discord caught him and held him fast, making sure he took every ounce of the magical blow. As their magic died down Discord teleported over to them while Pinkie and Applejack ran to their sides.
Zahir’s ectoplasm faded and he barely managed to get to his knees. “Blast this… limited body.” He said wearily.
“It’s over.” Twilight approached him.
“I am not beaten yet, girl.” He started to stand but a length of cloth wrapped itself around his neck and pulled him back down.
“Not so fast.” Rarity said as she, Fluttershy and Apple Bloom entered the field. Rarity levitated five more bundles of cloth around her and sent them out at Zahir. Four wrapped themselves around his legs and the fifth around his waist, she used her magic to quickly stake the cloth to the ground and lock him down. “Sorry for the delay, darlings. We were stitching these together from what was available in the house, all soaked in Apple Bloom’s special oil.”
“Nice work.” Twilight commended.
Zahir tried to break loose but in his weakened state he could not free himself from the enchanted cloth. “You’re not going anywhere.” Rarity observed his struggle. “Those are sewn with a custom double backstitch.”
“You will pay for this!” Zahir snarled.
“You are no longer in a position to threat.” Zecora said as she approached. “Your cruelty you will soon regret.” She looked to Twilight and Starlight. “Twilight, focus on the jewel and Starlight on Zahir. If you do so with different resonance the connection should disappear.
“Okay.” Twilight nodded and enveloped the jewel in Zahir’s chest with her magic. Starlight enveloped Zahir himself in her own and the pair concentrated on pulling the two apart.
“Stop!” Zahir tried to fight back. “What are you doing!?” He wailed as the jewel began to extract from his chest. As it started to leave his body, streams of white began to pour from the hole.
“What’s happening?” Fluttershy looked up at the swirling masses.
“It’s the spirits he had trapped.” Apple Bloom smiled up at the sight. “All the zebra from the village are being freed from his control.”
“Discord, you said you could provide a host.” Zecora said as she prepared her staff. “I hope that was not a simple boast.”
“Not at all.” Discord materialized a saw and held out his right paw. He gingerly cut the appendage off and with a snap of his fingers his severed paw animated. He summoned a small cage and ushered it inside.
Zecora accepted the idea and returned her attention to Zahir. She raised her staff and began to recite the spell her mother used to place the demon in her brother’s body. Zahir began to thrash and roar in response. With a final pull, Twilight fully removed the jewel and levitated it before Zecora. “I offer my spirit into this covenant, with promise from this vessel to now relent. Into this body I place you now, with its acceptance by spoken vow.” She turned back to Discord. “Do you accept this pact? This promise that you cannot retract?”
Discord pulled his mouth off and slapped it on his living paw. “I do.” It responded.
“Then let it be done on this day; this form I grant into your sway.” The jewel plunged into the paw and the area was flooded with bright light. As it dimmed, Discord set the cage down and watched as his paw started banging against the bars.
“What… what have you done to me!?” With no eyes, the demon blindly flailed about.
“Okay, that’s just creepy.” Pinkie got near the cage but immediately backed off as it clanged around.
“Are you okay, Discord?” Fluttershy observed her mouthless friend.
Discord reached up and unzipped a new mouth. “Perfectly fine.” He stuck his thumb in his mouth and blew, causing a replacement paw to pop out. “Tah dah!” He bowed.
They heard a low groan and saw Zahir stirring on the ground, his body having returned to normal. Zecora ran to him and knelt at his side, cradling his head and holding him up. “Brother… have you returned? Has your freedom been earned?”
Zahir’s eyes focused on the pony that was holding him, he observed her face and managed a smile. “Zecora… is that you? Are what my eyes behold true?”
Zecora started to cry and nodded. “Yes, it is me. Believe what you see.”
“I… I remember the things that I… that he did. I had no control, no chance to forbid.”
“It was not your fault Zahir.” Zecora shook her head. “He fooled us all and played off our fear. Mother did not know what he truly was when you were placed in its thrall; she only wanted to protect us all.” She felt Zahir weaken further. “You need healing, this process has left you reeling.”
She started to lift him but he stopped her. “There is nothing you can do, not after all my body has been through. I can feel that my time is nigh, but I am more than prepared to die.”
“No, that doesn’t have to be.” Zecora begged. “We can help, you will see.”
Zahir weakly lifted his hoof to her cheek and smiled. “Sister, you have already helped me. You and your friends have set me free.” His leg fell and he let out a strained breath.
Zecora slowly set him down. “I understand… farewell my brother.” She lowered her head and set her hoof to his side. “May you rest well, with father and mother.” His smile slowly faded and his eyes closed. After a long, silent minute Zecora stood, taking a deep breath as she looked up to the clearing sky. “It is done… we have won.” She turned to her friends, smiling as best she could.
-Epilogue-
The aftermath of the battle was bittersweet as the worn friends began to clean up. Applejack and Pinkie Pie saw to Big Mac and Rainbow Dash who, while bruised, were not badly injured. Twilight took Discord to see the now harmless beast locked away in Tartarus. Starlight tended to Zahir, with Zecora deciding that she would take him to the Everfree Forest to see him rest somewhere he would not be disturbed. Zecora herself had gone to rest on the hill overlooking the farm, her mind reconciling all that had happened. As she sat, Apple Bloom slowly came up beside her.
“Zecora, I don’t know if you wanted to be alone but I came to see how you were feeling.”
She patted the ground next to her. “Thank you Apple Bloom. In spite of things though, I feel no gloom.”
Apple Bloom sat at her side. “I’m… sorry about Zahir.”
Zecora nodded slowly. “He is now at peace, along with all the zebra that were held in that creature’s lease.”
“I know, but now that he’s gone…”
“As far as I know, I am the last of my kind.” Zecora finished her thought. “The weight of that knowledge does rest on my mind.” She looked down at Apple Bloom not with regret in her eyes, but with a welcome peace. “But though the last zebra I may very well be; it does not mean I am without family.” Zecora put her hoof over her. “When you first came to me, inquisitive and unafraid; I had no idea the bond I had made. I had lost everything and lived on the move, but having you there helped my outlook improve.” She looked back out to the horizon. “Being able to pass to you what I know, is a joy that thrills me so. You have taken so swiftly to the things I’ve endowed; and the skill you’ve displayed has made me most proud.” She smiled. “It may sound strange, but at some time or another… I stopped seeing you as a friend, and more as a daughter.” Looking back down, she saw Apple Bloom smiling at her with tears in her eyes. “Zebra or not, to me you are dear; and I shall never be alone as long as you’re near.”
“I’ll always be here for you, Zecora.” Apple Bloom hugged onto her tightly. “You may not be my real mom, but I love you just as much.”
Zecora held her close, resting her nose to her head. “Know this to be true, I love you too.” In that moment Zecora knew that her years of running were finally over. No longer under the shadow of her past, she could at last settle and truly call Ponyville her home.
Author's Note
I hope you enjoyed my concept of Zecora's past. My goal with this was not only to give Zecora a story of her own, but to develop her relationship with Apple Bloom which is something that the show has pushed to the side. There is a great dynamic between them and exploring it provides the chance to make Apple Bloom stand out on her own and give her a path that doesn't just involve the family farm or the CMC. Thanks for reading.
